Lionel Messi was one of the scorers in Argentina's 3-0 win over Uruguay. This came just hours after Brazil's streak of consecutive victories in South American World Cup qualifying ended with a 0-0 draw with Colombia.
Brazil won the qualifying competition with 28 points, nine wins and a draw. This puts it six points ahead of Argentina who was second after 10 matches.
Brazil's total so far would have been sufficient to qualify for all World Cups starting in 2002.
Ecuador is still third with 16 points. Uruguay is just behind them based on their number of victories. Colombia is in fifth with 15 points. Each side has played 11 matches.
The World Cup in Qatar will be open to all four top teams. A fifth-place team may still qualify through an inter-continental tournament.
All South American World Cup qualifying teams will be playing again on Thursday.
Messi's record-breaking strike
Argentina was preparing for a long and intense night at the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires. Oscar Tabrez, Uruguay's coach, selected a back five to stop Argentina's strong attack. His team created the most opportunities early on with Luis Surez scoring the goal.
Argentina won the 38th minute thanks to a lucky strike. Messi attempted to find Nico Gonzalez but failed to get his pass. The ball was then gently passed by Fernando Muslera to the net, and the PSG forward became South America's first South American player to score 80 international goals.
Just before half-time Rodrigo de Paul doubled Argentina's lead. The hosts then scored again. Messi found de Paul at the right flank. The midfielder sent a low pass into the penalty box. Lautaro Martinez scored from close range.
Messi stated that "I believe we are growing a lot" in terms of the quality of our game. "We have become accustomed to the ball. It was a difficult match tonight and we had no choice but to win. It all worked out flawlessly."
Uruguay will travel to Brazil, while Argentina takes on Peru in the next match.
Colombia holds Brazil
Brazil had the best chances of the match and forced Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina into three crucial saves. The most important was the one in the 84th from a short-range finish by substitute Antony.
After a suspension, Neymar was allowed to return to the Seleo lineup. However, he was slow, missed several passes, and ran with apparent difficulty. After the whistle blew, the PSG forward left pitch.
Tite, Brazil's coach, said that Tite is "an exceptional player" because he makes extraordinary plays and does it in a way that is not common.
We know he is a special player. He was also well-marked, sometimes by two people."
